Scotland Magazine author Gilly Pickup

Blazing a trail

Although Scotland is home to more castles than you can shake a haggis at, the country’s only ‘Castle Trail’ is in
Aberdeenshire. Gilly Pickup finds out more

KILDRUMMY CASTLE Tel: +44 (0)1975 571 331 www.historic-scotland.gov.uk Kildrummy Castle was once one of Scotland’s most imposing castles. It was captured by Edward I of England in 1296 and sheltered Robert Bruce’s queen and daughter, before enduring a siege in 1306 in which Bruce’s younger broth...

Scottish Castles from Issue 38 published on 11/04/2008

Blazing a trail

CRAIGIEVAR CASTLE Tel: +44 (0)1339 883 635 www.nts.org.uk Almost Disney-esque in appearance, fairytale Craigievar Castle, all pink granite, multiple turrets, fanciful towers, gables, gargoyles and chimney stacks, was built in the 1600s by flamboyant Aberdeen merchant William Forbes, brother of th...

Scottish Castles from Issue 38 published on 11/04/2008

When the saints came marching in

Gilly Pickup looks at a few places connected with Scotland’s saints

Saint Columba, Iona Of all the Dark Age Scottish saints, Columba is the most famous A-lister. In 563AD he left Ireland with 12 companions to cross the wild sea in a hide-covered wickerwork currach to settle with the Gaels of Dál Riata. He was granted the Island of Iona to found his monastery and w...

Scotland Towns from Issue 32 published on 13/04/2007

Oh I do like to be beside The Seaside

Which is why – in the interests of research – Gilly Pickup packs her bucket, spade and kiss-me-quick hat to find a few of Scotland’s best beaches

West Sands Beach, St Andrews, Fife Stunning two mile swathe of immaculately clean, firm sand with a backdrop of medieval towers – what a cracking place to enjoy a dose of bracingly wholesome, fresh-as-it-comes air! The water quality is approved by the Good Beach Guide and there are a host of seasid...

Scottish Beaches from Issue 27 published on 09/06/2006